Rocchetta Nervina
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Sunset around my way this evening was pretty so I rushed out to take some pics……
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Are you in Canada?
No, but i know why you ask. I was just browsing some shots from back in June…!
Fingers crossed for last sessions of the year 5/6 Oct…
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A pic of PL983 based at Duxford taken back in June.
In 2020, G-PRXI was nearing the end of some maintenance work and required a test flight.
Duxford decided to schedule John Romain’s test flight to coincide with the ‘Clap for Carers’ initiative which was ongoing amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. He flew the aircraft around local villages in an effort to raise morale during a difficult time for many. Following positive feedback, this was repeated again – this time with the words ‘THANK U NHS’ painted in large white lettering underneath the wings.
With word of the ‘NHS Spitfire’ spreading and the NHS themselves now in direct contact to voice their support of the idea, the fuselage began to be adorned with the names of those nominated by their loved ones in return for a donation. The tail feathers of the ‘NHS Spitfire’ were soon a sea of names and the project raised over £130,000 for the ‘NHS Charities Together’.
As restrictions eased, John flew this now iconic symbol of hope over some 255 hospitals across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland to spread the aircraft’s message of thanks to those it represented. Having carried cameras rather than weapons during active service, this non-combat variant of the Spitfire was the perfect machine for the NHS project and we would like to say a heartfelt thank you to everyone who help make it possible.
With the NHS Spitfire project donation window having been closed for over a year and the final sum raised having been handed over to NHS Charities Together, the ‘THANK U NHS’ has now been removed from the underside of the Spitfire’s wings.
The thousands of names subtly hand written over the tail and rear fuselage section of the aircraft will remain on the aircraft for this season in order to give as many people as possible the chance to read them.
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One of my favourite bits of flying for the year so far. Most old jets give you a small number of passes (perhaps just 2 or 3) and then have to head home before the tanks run dry. But the Gnat at Old Warden in June was great with pass after pass putting on a terrific show and often lining hmself up perfectly for the togs on the ground…
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That is very good!
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Great picture. I was out late both nights (Thu,Fri) hoping for a repeat of the aurora. Some great stars instead.
Thanks Rhod.
G
Is that looking east??
Yes
I see those stars through my bathroom window when I get up in the night. I keep meaning to look up what the bright planet/star is.
I just went out to pick up my son (he’d been on the lash), looked up and saw all those fabulous stars. Had my iPhone with me, took the snap. Bit blurry as it was a long exposure and my hands aren’t as steady as they used to be.
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